Flood Advisory for Maui Until 4:30 p.m. 3/3/12

By Wendy Osher

(Update:  4:13 p.m. 3/3/12)

The Flood Advisory for Maui has since been canceled.  Radar and rain gauges show that heavy rains have ended.

(Posted: 2 p.m. 3/3/12)

A flood advisory is in effect for the island of Maui until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service issued the advisory this afternoon because of heavy rain over the Kula area.

At 1:30 p.m., radar showed an area of slow-moving, heavy rain near Kula, that was nearly stationary.

The rain over the leeward slopes of Haleakala is located about 12 miles to the southeast of Kahului.

Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to Pukalani, Makawao and Ulupalakua.

As a precaution, the public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Rainfall and runoff can cause hazardous driving conditions, reduced visibility, and poor braking action.

Individuals should not cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

As the National Weather Service states, “Turn around, don’t drown.”